Bishop demands unit: A strong signal for the church in Europe!

Bishop demands unit: A strong signal for the church in Europe!

Aachen, Deutschland - In the Aachen Cathedral, a clear appeal by Cardinal Jean-Claude Hollerich sounded to the EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen: his allegation concerns her lack of interest in dialogue with the Catholic Church. He criticized that the Leyen, who also acts as Vice President of the Council of the European Bishops' Conferences, was not willing to meet bishops. Hollerich emphasized that the church could not adapt, especially if fundamental rights such as the abortion are required. God, according to the Archbishop, is also present in the secular European society, such as KAP/KNA

He demands more cooperation between the national bishops conferences to counter the challenges of the current crisis of faith. Hollerich said that it was not sufficient to implement structural reforms in the church alone. The crisis of faith goes deeper and requires more comprehensive solutions. On the topics of the synodal path in Germany, he noted that concerns of the skeptical bishops should also be taken seriously.

variety as an opportunity

Hollerich is a central figure in the global synodal process of the Catholic Church and took part in the European Assembly in Prague, where he sees the cultural differences as a challenge, but also as an enrichment. He is optimistic that despite the different experiences in Eastern and Western Europe, a unit can be achieved. The secularization that affects all regions could not be ignored, but he is convinced that the diversity of faith should be shown in different expressions. His statements reflect the need to conduct a dialogue to counter the challenges of the Church, such as katholisch.de reported.

He particularly emphasized the dangers that emerge from the idea of ​​an impending schism. This topic, which is taken up by some, should not be talked about, but it is crucial that everyone involved is working together on solutions. Hollerich is convinced that a strong church has to be based on the principle of unity, also in the multitude of their expressions of faith.